The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

SLEEPING BEAR

A GROUP OF CHILDREN GATHER TO FORM A CIRCLE. ONE
OF THE CHILDREN GOES TO THE CENTER OF THE CIRCLE
TO BE THE SLEEPING BEAR. HE KNEELS DOWN AND PLACES
HIS HANDS OVER HIS EYES. THE OTHER PLAYERS IN THE
CIRCLE START MOVING TO THE RIGHT AND SING: THE
OLD BEAR IS DEEPLY SLEEPING, WE WON'T WAKE HIM
BECAUSE WE'RE AFRAID WHEN HE AWAKENS HE'LL EAT US
UP. WHEN THE LAST WORD OF THE SONG IS SUNG, THE OLD
BEAR GETS UP QUICKLY AND CHASES THE CHILDREN.
THE PERSON WHO HE CATCHES IS NOW THE SLEEPING BEAR
AND THE GAME STARTS OVER AGAIN.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 02-24-1972